Doncaster Rovers: Bumper January business down to frugal planning from Paul Dickov

Paul Dickov

Liam Hoden

Published:05:59Tuesday 03 February 2015

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Paul Dickov has revealed that careful money management allowed him to carry out plenty of positive business during the winter transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to the Star, Dickov said he purposefully held back a sum of money at the start of the season to ensure he had funds to carry out business in January.

“There was always money there for me,” Dickov said. “And I try to look after the money as if it’s my own.

“It was just up to me when I used it and how I spent it.

“At the start of the season we decided to keep a bit of money back for January because we knew it’d be needed.

“Sam Johnstone going back freed up a bit of money as well.”

While there was no boost to his overall playing budget during January, Dickov praised the Rovers board for their willingness to put up the funds for a transfer that would otherwise have been beyond the club.

Last week Rovers had two bids for a ‘forward-thinking’ player turned down and opted not to pursue further a potential deal for the player, whom the Star understands plies his trade in League One.

One bid was a five figure amount with the follow up pushed into six figures.

Dickov said: “The board have been great.

“A player we thought would have made a big difference to us became available.

While transfer deadline day was quiet for Rovers, Dickov felt satisfied with the business he conducted during the window.

Andy Butler converted his loan from Sheffield United into a permanent deal while Stephen Bywater arrived on a six-month contract.

Uche Ikpeazu last week agreed a loan until the end of the season from Watford, Enda Stevens extended his temporary switch from Aston Villa while Rovers are still awaiting international clearance for midfielder Abdul Razak who agreed terms a fortnight ago.

And Reece Wabara and Luke McCullough both agreed contract extensions.

Dickov said: “I think there’s some real quality in there and I’m absolutely delighted with it.

“I think this is probably as close knit and strong as squad I could’ve hoped for.”

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